Denville firefighters battle 2 house fires in 2 days; 2 firefighters injured, 6 cats rescued

DENVILLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — The Denville Fire Department responded to two significant residential structure fires on consecutive days last week, including one that left two firefighters with minor injuries and led to the rescue of six cats.

The first fire was reported at approximately 8:10 p.m. Wednesday, June 17. Firefighters arrived to find visible smoke coming from a residence, prompting a second alarm for additional resources.

Crews from Denville and mutual aid departments quickly began an interior attack, searched the home and ventilated the structure. The fire was declared under control at 9:16 p.m.

Firefighters remained at the scene until shortly after midnight to conduct overhaul operations and extinguish hot spots.

Less than 24 hours later, at approximately 5:40 p.m. Thursday, June 18, firefighters were dispatched to another residential structure fire. A second alarm was immediately transmitted as crews arrived.

Firefighters deployed handlines and began suppression operations, including addressing a propane tank in the rear yard of the property.

During the fire, crews rescued six cats from the home. Morris County EMS provided immediate care to the cats before they were transported for further treatment.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were transported to a hospital for evaluation. Both were treated and released shortly afterward.

The department thanked mutual aid partners, the Antique Fire Association of New Jersey for providing its canteen truck, and neighbors who opened their yards for firefighter rehabilitation operations and provided food, water and refreshments to emergency responders.

Although firefighters were able to stop Thursday’s fire from completely consuming the residence, officials said the family suffered a devastating loss and lost nearly everything inside. A GoFundMe has been established to assist the family.